Tuesday, December 05, 2023

Watching little children experience separation anxiety is disheartening. Jesus’ disciples may have experienced similar feelings when He informed them about His impending departure. Like little children who are learning so many things at once and need a guide, the disciples were distressed about many things. Firstly, the Lord’s message was not well-received by the political regime in their day. His teaching was perceived as subversive. Propagating the Good News about the Messiah was sure to generate conflict and have them persecuted, imprisoned, or martyred. Secondly, their teachings were often a threat to the practices of the prevailing religious order of the time. Thirdly, they had left everything to follow Jesus. The thought of carrying on without Him must have been frightening, indeed. Noting their fears and concerns, Jesus sought to assure His disciples when He said He would not leave them. What a comforting word!

By God’s grace, I have a different mindset about ministry. I have come to understand that my workplace is my pulpit. I seek to work to please my ultimate Boss, Jesus Christ, as a witness to those around me. I have become more deliberate in making friendships for the purpose of opening doors to share the Gospel message.